WhatsApp broadcast list: limits, setup and when to switch to a group
For anyone sending deals, news or announcements to hundreds of contacts: what a list does, where it stops working and a format chooser for your case.
How it works in practice
Direct answer: A broadcast list sends the same message to many contacts, and each one receives it in their own private chat without seeing the others. On Android, tap More options and Broadcast lists; on iPhone, tap Settings or your profile picture, then Broadcast messages. Each list holds up to 256 contacts, and only people who saved your number receive the message.
In short:
- Up to 256 contacts per list, and as many lists as you like.
- Only people who saved your number receive it; lists do not work on WhatsApp Web or desktop.
- For large audiences that only read, an announcement group or a community is usually less work.
How to create a WhatsApp broadcast list
| Where | Path |
|---|---|
| Android | Chats > More options (three dots) > Broadcast lists > pick contacts > confirm |
| iPhone | Settings > Broadcast messages > New list > pick contacts > Create |
| WhatsApp Business (Android) | Chats > More options > Business broadcast (or Tools > Business broadcast), or from a label |
| WhatsApp Web and desktop | Not available, according to the Help Center |
Replies arrive as individual chats in your Chats tab and are not visible to other contacts on the list, as the WhatsApp Business broadcast page explains.
WhatsApp broadcast list limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts per list | 256 | Help Center |
| Number of lists | As many as you like | Help Center |
| Who receives | Only people who saved your number | Help Center |
| Monthly broadcast limit | Rolling out gradually in some countries | Help Center |
| Desktop and Web | Not supported | Help Center |
If someone does not receive a broadcast, the usual reason is that they have not saved your number. On WhatsApp Business, for contacts who have not saved it, the Help Center points to marketing messages, which are a different feature.
Format chooser: broadcast list, group or community?
Enter your audience size and how people interact. The result follows the official limits: 256 contacts per list, 1,024 per group and 2,000 members per community.
A list only reaches people who saved your number; groups and communities have no such requirement.
Broadcast list vs group vs community vs Channel
| Format | Size | Who sees replies | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broadcast list | 256 per list | Only you | Personal service and notices for a small set of contacts |
| Group | 1,024 | Everyone | Communities that talk, cohort support, deals with questions |
| Community | 2,000 members, up to 100 groups | Depends on the group | Several cohorts or topics with one announcement group |
| Channel | No member list | Nobody (reactions only) | Open, one-way content |
More in community vs group vs Channel and WhatsApp limits.
When to switch from a broadcast list to a group
- Your audience is past a few hundred. At 256 per list, a thousand contacts means four lists and four sends for every deal.
- Many people have not saved your number. They never receive the broadcast. In a group, joining through the link is enough.
- Questions repeat. In a group, an automatic command answers everyone at once.
- You need scheduling. The app does not schedule broadcasts; with 9bot you schedule text, images, links and polls in the group. See how to schedule messages and how to send to several groups.
For affiliate deals, see also how to run a deals group.
To see what it costs to send the same message to thousands of contacts through the app, the API or groups, see WhatsApp Business Broadcast Cost: Free or Paid, and a Cost per Send Calculator.
Changes and limits in 2026
The Help Center records three points that changed how lists are used:
- In some countries a monthly broadcast limit appears; it is rolling out gradually and is not available everywhere.
- Lists remain phone only: they do not work on Windows, Mac or WhatsApp Web.
- The Business app now has a separate paid feature, business broadcasts. Pricing is covered in how much WhatsApp Business broadcasts cost.
The 256 contacts per list limit and the rule that only people who saved your number receive it still apply.
Many recipients blocking or reporting your messages is the most common risk signal for a number. Only send to people who asked to receive.
Read also
FAQ
How many contacts can a WhatsApp broadcast list have?
Why are some people not receiving my broadcast?
Can I create a broadcast list on WhatsApp Web?
Can people on the list see each other?
Broadcast list or group: which is better for sales?
Is there a monthly broadcast limit?
What changed with WhatsApp broadcast lists?
Can a broadcast list get WhatsApp banned?
Can I export a broadcast list?
